As an integral part of the required Navy training and to be able to better respond and manage a variety of first aid emergencies both at sea and ashore, Wellington Naval Reservists of all ranks recently undertook the RNZN Workplace First Aid Course instructed by former Navy Medic Lee Matravers of Professional Resuscitation Services.

Delivered over two days at HMNZS OLPHERT the Wellington Naval Reserve HQ in early August, the training combined a good mix of both theory and hands on practical training. The syllabus covering a wide range of first aid topics and skill sets, including scene assessment and initial safety checks, safe casualty evacuation, the appropriate use of specific CPR techniques and Automatic Emergency Defibrillator (AED) equipment for infants, children and adults.

During the course the participants were introduced to a number of useful acronyms, including checking levels of response “AVPU” (is the casualty Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain or Unresponsive) and for checking vital signs “Every Snake Bite Causes Pain (Eyes Skin, Breathing Consciousness and Pulse rate).

All the participating Naval Reservists were passed and certified to the required NZQA Unit Standards, and congratulating them LTCDR Ian Wells the Commanding Officer of HMNZS OLPHERT said:

“I am very pleased to see our Personnel not only receive training that could save lives anywhere, but also that the knowledge and skills gained are valuable to both the RNZN and their civilian employers”